Officer identified in deadly accident

February 22, 2009 10:26:45 PM PST

By Scott Curkin and Bob Monek, Eyewitness News

COMMACK, Long Island --

A veteran police officer responding to a call died Sunday after a drunken driver slammed into his patrol car.One person has been arrested on DWI charges in connection with the accident early Sunday morning.

"The Suffolk County Police Department is mourning the loss of one of our own," said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer. "It's a sad reminder of the dangers police officers face each and every day."

Suffolk County Officer Glen Ciano was responding to a call to assist another officer at approximately 4:15 a.m.

The police officer's car was hit by a 2007 Dodge Magnum at the intersection of Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Commack Road in Commack.

The driver of the Dodge, 23-year-old Jose Borbon, of Plainview, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Authorities said Borbon has an open case in Nassau County for drunk driving. Borbon was arrested on January 4. His next court date on that case was set for April 1.

The 45-year-old Ciano had been on the Suffolk County force for 22 years.

Officers stood in formation and saluted as Ciano's body was brought to the county medical examiner's office, and flags were lowered to half-staff outside the police department he had served for more than 20 years, police said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the officer killed in this terrible crash," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. "This officer made the ultimate sacrifice protecting and serving the people of Suffolk County."